This story is the first of three that are going to make up my new series for Final Fantasy VII. It takes place in an alternate realm, five years after the events of Advent Children. The Events of Dirge of Cerberus never happened. Other stuff may change as I go on.

Final Fantasy VII

Reconciliation

Chapter 1

To meet again

Cloud sat as his usual table behind the bar, watching only his drink, ignoring the sounds of the happy hour rush. Tifa moved up and down the bar busily, making drinks, and passing them out. Marlene and Denzel were out hanging with their friends, they were rarely seen at home now days. Cloud didn't care; all he cared for was the recent events that lead him to start drinking so heavily. He could remember it clearly. The noise, the flashes, the screams. He was soon lost in his memories, not an unusual occurrence now days. It took Tifa's concerned voice to shake him from his thoughts.

"Cloud, you're zoned out again as usual." It said, mixed between concern and annoyance. "Please, you've been acting like the regulars since you came back two years ago. Why can't you just be happy to have survived like the rest of us?"

Cloud didn't look up; he just finished his drink and stood up. He staggered towards the door, and fell out of it. He had made up his mind, he didn't want to be here anymore, he didn't want to be anywhere. He reached Fenrir and climbed on top of it for the first time in years. He kicked started the bike, threw on his glasses, and heaved to the side, emptying the contents of his stomach on the ground. He breathed heavily as his eyes went in and out of focus. Closing them tightly, he concentrated. This wasn't the first time he had drank too much; it was actually a daily occurrence now days. Ever since what had happened all those years ago. He had fought his hardest against his enemy, yet his enemy had come out on top. If they had been smarter, Cloud wouldn't be here right now. His survival wasn't credited to his quick thinking, and over coming his obstacle, but was actually because he ran away last minute, leaving the people of edge. Again, cloud seemed to be lost in his thoughts, when a voice he hadn't heard in years shook him from his on going nightmare.

"Cloud, it's good to see you."

Cloud snapped into an upright position, capturing his visitor in his eyesight immediately. He couldn't believe his eyes; Vincent Valentine stood before him. Out of everyone that had fought along side him, Vincent was the only one who hadn't changed. His cold red eyes still seemed as lifeless as ever.

"What do you want" the drunken Cloud demanded, stumbling off the bike.

"Something has happened, Avalanche was going through the wreckage of Edge when they discover something. They immediately incased it and have it locked away safely in their headquarters.

"What is it?"

"We're not sure yet, but we think its part of Jenova."